Is wine okay during pregnancy?

I know this is a controversial topic, but wanted to get everyone's opinions. After researching, I've came up with several different subjective opinions (which I know is what I'll get here too!) I am wondering if drinking one glass (with food) 2-3 times in a week would be okay? My husband and I are going on vacation and thought it would be nice to have some wine with him! I would only have some that week, however not sure if I'm worrying too much about it or if it's even worth it.

I know this is a controversial topic, but wanted to get everyone's opinions. After researching, I've came up with several different subjective opinions (which I know is what I'll get here too!) I am wondering if drinking one glass (with food) 2-3 times in a week would be okay? My husband and I are going on vacation and thought it would be nice to have some wine with him! I would only have some that week, however not sure if I'm worrying too much about it or if it's even worth it.

Honestly, I would think an occasional glass would be okay. I watched 'Pregnancy for Dummies' and the dr said a glass a week won't do any harm.But there's always the idea that no alcohol is okay and better safe than sorry. I'd say you should do whatever you feel comfortable with. If drinking a glass feels okay, go for it. If you're going to be feeling guilty about it for days, it's probably not worth it.My mom and aunts have all told me that they had a couple social beers on a few occasions while they were pregnant. Obviously they weren't out getting wasted, but 20-25 years ago having a beer or two wasn't that big of a deal.It's hard to figure out if we are just way too cautious now, or if we just know better now. KWIM?

Honestly, I would think an occasional glass would be okay. I watched 'Pregnancy for Dummies' and the dr said a glass a week won't do any harm.But there's always the idea that no alcohol is okay and better safe than sorry. I'd say you should do whatever you feel comfortable with. If drinking a glass feels okay, go for it. If you're going to be feeling guilty about it for days, it's probably not worth it.My mom and aunts have all told me that they had a couple social beers on a few occasions while they were pregnant. Obviously they weren't out getting wasted, but 20-25 years ago having a beer or two wasn't that big of a deal.It's hard to figure out if we are just way too cautious now, or if we just know better now. KWIM?

Honestly, I asked two different OB/GYNs this, and they both said the same thing: the occasional drink is not going to hurt anything. I live in Boston - a surprisingly "conservative" place in many ways despite how liberal we in Mass. are considered. Both doctors noted that in Europe, people drink throughout their entire pregnancy (in moderation, of course) and their kids grow up to be productive members of society. Both doctors said that here in the US, we are surprisingly puritanical on this subject. Obviously, a drink is one thing - several drinks is another. I agree with the poster who said that if you think it will make you feel guilty, it's probably not worth it. My personal opinion is that we are told NO DRINKING because if the "conventional wisdom" or "universal advice" was that the occasional drink is ok, you'd have people out there pushing one drink to two, two to three, etc. - and then blaming it on the doctor for saying drinking was ok. I think it is "safer" to tell us NO alcohol than to give the average person discretion . . .just my two cents. I had one glass of wine last weekend - and man did it taste good! Not making a habit of it, but felt ok with my glass.

Honestly, I asked two different OB/GYNs this, and they both said the same thing: the occasional drink is not going to hurt anything. I live in Boston - a surprisingly "conservative" place in many ways despite how liberal we in Mass. are considered. Both doctors noted that in Europe, people drink throughout their entire pregnancy (in moderation, of course) and their kids grow up to be productive members of society. Both doctors said that here in the US, we are surprisingly puritanical on this subject. Obviously, a drink is one thing - several drinks is another. I agree with the poster who said that if you think it will make you feel guilty, it's probably not worth it. My personal opinion is that we are told NO DRINKING because if the "conventional wisdom" or "universal advice" was that the occasional drink is ok, you'd have people out there pushing one drink to two, two to three, etc. - and then blaming it on the doctor for saying drinking was ok. I think it is "safer" to tell us NO alcohol than to give the average person discretion . . .just my two cents. I had one glass of wine last weekend - and man did it taste good! Not making a habit of it, but felt ok with my glass.

I have several friends from different places around Europe, and they all had an occasional glass of red during their pregnancies...their babies are fine. They weren't out getting toasty, just an occasional glass with dinner at home. I do remember one of my friends saying she got some odd looks at a restaurant when she had a glass of wine, so be prepared for people to judge.When I think about all the things my mom did while she was pregnant with me, I can't imagine a glass of wine hurting anything.

I have several friends from different places around Europe, and they all had an occasional glass of red during their pregnancies...their babies are fine. They weren't out getting toasty, just an occasional glass with dinner at home. I do remember one of my friends saying she got some odd looks at a restaurant when she had a glass of wine, so be prepared for people to judge.When I think about all the things my mom did while she was pregnant with me, I can't imagine a glass of wine hurting anything.

Ah, in follow up to the post that was immediately before or after mine - once you look pregnant, probably a good idea to drink your wine at home (here in Boston, people would not hesitate to comment ;)

Ah, in follow up to the post that was immediately before or after mine - once you look pregnant, probably a good idea to drink your wine at home (here in Boston, people would not hesitate to comment ;)

If it were me, I wouldn't drink 2-3 times a week. Â An occasional small glass is ok here and there, but not so much during a week. Â It's whatever you feel comfortable with I guess. Â I've always had the mind set that your better safe than sorry, but I have friends that had the occasional drink. Â Just be really careful. Â You never know how much the little tyke is getting!

If it were me, I wouldn't drink 2-3 times a week. Â An occasional small glass is ok here and there, but not so much during a week. Â It's whatever you feel comfortable with I guess. Â I've always had the mind set that your better safe than sorry, but I have friends that had the occasional drink. Â Just be really careful. Â You never know how much the little tyke is getting!

wow that person was way rude! I can understand saying they don't agree but that other stuff if just rediculous. You werent talking about getting drunk! I think the occasional drink would be ok. My mom drank every now and then and my brother is 13 now and fine!

wow that person was way rude! I can understand saying they don't agree but that other stuff if just rediculous. You werent talking about getting drunk! I think the occasional drink would be ok. My mom drank every now and then and my brother is 13 now and fine!

What was with the rude comment??? Man, some people....don't listen to people like that who just criticize or belittle but don't give you supporting facts to their statements!! I can't believe people have the nerve to do stuff like that.

My cousin had the occasional glass of red wine with dinner when she was pregnant and her little boy is healthy as can be! I personally haven't drank while I'm pregnant, but I"m not a big wine drinker either...so I would say if so many doctors are saying it is ok to have an occasional glass of wine...well, they have the Ph.D's I don't!! Do what you feel comfortable with!

Have fun on your vacation!

What was with the rude comment??? Man, some people....don't listen to people like that who just criticize or belittle but don't give you supporting facts to their statements!! I can't believe people have the nerve to do stuff like that.

My cousin had the occasional glass of red wine with dinner when she was pregnant and her little boy is healthy as can be! I personally haven't drank while I'm pregnant, but I"m not a big wine drinker either...so I would say if so many doctors are saying it is ok to have an occasional glass of wine...well, they have the Ph.D's I don't!! Do what you feel comfortable with!

I know that when my aunt was pregnant with my cousin, she was having some contractions in her 3rd trimester but it was still too early for her to deliver. The doctor told her to have a glass of red wine and sit back and relax from time to time. It was to help relax her muscles!

I know that when my aunt was pregnant with my cousin, she was having some contractions in her 3rd trimester but it was still too early for her to deliver. The doctor told her to have a glass of red wine and sit back and relax from time to time. It was to help relax her muscles!

Honestly, there is no proof that the very occasional glass of wine is harmfull...but there is also no proof that is ISN'T harmful. I work for Child Protection Services and we tell mothers not to have ANY alcohol during pregnancy because every woman is different and is always at a different, more or less crucial, time in her pregnancy, and there is no way to predict EXACTLY where any one woman is at at any time... so my advice... say no for 9 months. It's not that long really, and if anything were to happen, how guilty would you feel? Me personally...not one drop until I deliver.

Honestly, there is no proof that the very occasional glass of wine is harmfull...but there is also no proof that is ISN'T harmful. I work for Child Protection Services and we tell mothers not to have ANY alcohol during pregnancy because every woman is different and is always at a different, more or less crucial, time in her pregnancy, and there is no way to predict EXACTLY where any one woman is at at any time... so my advice... say no for 9 months. It's not that long really, and if anything were to happen, how guilty would you feel? Me personally...not one drop until I deliver.

ps. keep in mind that the affects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome don't generally show up until the child reaches school age. Do you really want to wait around for 4 or 5 years to see if that wine you drank had an affect? I wouldn't.

ps. keep in mind that the affects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome don't generally show up until the child reaches school age. Do you really want to wait around for 4 or 5 years to see if that wine you drank had an affect? I wouldn't.

Anyways - what I said was I was surprised at how many people think drinking while pregnant is okay. I always was taught - "no, never", though I've met more and more mums who think it's okay to have like maybe a small glass once a month (please note - in a bottle of wine - there are NINE glasses of wine - not 4-5 like is often poured out). While it is a personal choice, it's important to realize that there is "no safe amount". FAS is an entirely controllable form of mental retardation.

Here's a link to the March of Dimes website: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1170.asp

"Researchers are taking a closer look at the more subtle effects of moderate and light drinking during pregnancy.

A 2002 study found that 14-year-old children whose mothers drank as
little as one drink a week were significantly shorter and leaner and
had a smaller head circumference (a possible indicator of brain size)
than children of women who did not drink at all.

A 2001 study found that 6- and 7-year-old children of mothers who
had as little as one drink a week during pregnancy were more likely
than children of non-drinkers to have behavior problems, such as
aggressive and delinquent behaviors. These researchers found that
children whose mothers drank any alcohol during pregnancy were more
than three times as likely as unexposed children to demonstrate
delinquent behaviors.

A 2007 study suggested that female children of women who drank less
than one drink a week were more likely to have behavioral and emotional
problems at 4 and 8 years of age. The study also suggested similar
effects in boys, but at higher levels of drinking.

Other studies report behavioral and learning problems in children
exposed to moderate drinking during pregnancy, including attention and
memory problems, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor social and
communication skills, psychiatric problems (including mood disorders)
and alcohol and drug use."

While the other poster was rude, no one is aware of the reason she wrote. Maybe - just maybe - she knows someone with FAS and knows just how preventable the disease is. Just a thought.

My post got deleted too.

Anyways - what I said was I was surprised at how many people think drinking while pregnant is okay. I always was taught - "no, never", though I've met more and more mums who think it's okay to have like maybe a small glass once a month (please note - in a bottle of wine - there are NINE glasses of wine - not 4-5 like is often poured out). While it is a personal choice, it's important to realize that there is "no safe amount". FAS is an entirely controllable form of mental retardation.

Here's a link to the March of Dimes website: http://www.marchofdimes.com/professionals/14332_1170.asp

"Researchers are taking a closer look at the more subtle effects of moderate and light drinking during pregnancy.

A 2002 study found that 14-year-old children whose mothers drank as
little as one drink a week were significantly shorter and leaner and
had a smaller head circumference (a possible indicator of brain size)
than children of women who did not drink at all.

A 2001 study found that 6- and 7-year-old children of mothers who
had as little as one drink a week during pregnancy were more likely
than children of non-drinkers to have behavior problems, such as
aggressive and delinquent behaviors. These researchers found that
children whose mothers drank any alcohol during pregnancy were more
than three times as likely as unexposed children to demonstrate
delinquent behaviors.

A 2007 study suggested that female children of women who drank less
than one drink a week were more likely to have behavioral and emotional
problems at 4 and 8 years of age. The study also suggested similar
effects in boys, but at higher levels of drinking.

Other studies report behavioral and learning problems in children
exposed to moderate drinking during pregnancy, including attention and
memory problems, hyperactivity, impulsivity, poor social and
communication skills, psychiatric problems (including mood disorders)
and alcohol and drug use."

While the other poster was rude, no one is aware of the reason she wrote. Maybe - just maybe - she knows someone with FAS and knows just how preventable the disease is. Just a thought.

I was a huge wine drinker before I found out I was pregnant. I have also been told by people that a glass is okay. People are always telling you about people they know who did this or that and thier kids are perfectly fine. Well are they? How do they compare to others. This could be socially, emotionally, it could be behaivor. Just because a child is born without mental retardation doesn't mean they are "typical".

I have a child with special needs, she is mildly autistic. No one can tell what caused it I did not drink or do anything at all that would be considered harmful. I am glad that lukesmummy posted that data.

I am not at all judging or saying a drink will cause anything to go wrong. I have no stats to back this up, but I thought what we put into our bodies is intensified for our babies. So one glass for us, is how much for them?

It is very personal, I know what it is like to raise a child who struggles to be like others, or works harder to try to accomplish what her peers easily do. I love wine, but will not be drinking any as if there is a one in a million chance that that glass here or there would mean that my son will have any more of a stuggle than he has to, well it isn't worth it for me. Hugs and good luck with your decision

I was a huge wine drinker before I found out I was pregnant. I have also been told by people that a glass is okay. People are always telling you about people they know who did this or that and thier kids are perfectly fine. Well are they? How do they compare to others. This could be socially, emotionally, it could be behaivor. Just because a child is born without mental retardation doesn't mean they are "typical".

I have a child with special needs, she is mildly autistic. No one can tell what caused it I did not drink or do anything at all that would be considered harmful. I am glad that lukesmummy posted that data.

I am not at all judging or saying a drink will cause anything to go wrong. I have no stats to back this up, but I thought what we put into our bodies is intensified for our babies. So one glass for us, is how much for them?

It is very personal, I know what it is like to raise a child who struggles to be like others, or works harder to try to accomplish what her peers easily do. I love wine, but will not be drinking any as if there is a one in a million chance that that glass here or there would mean that my son will have any more of a stuggle than he has to, well it isn't worth it for me. Hugs and good luck with your decision

Thank you and you too!! I personally was shocked when my doctor said I could carry on with my tea intake (I'd only just started with him a month before and we went over all the details on my health, etc). I've cut way back. I'm consistently under the "safe" amount. I drink decaf coffee (which I know has some coffee), and one cup (normal size - not pint sized - which is the size of my favourite mug!!) of tea with my DH on the weekends.

With my son, I had the occasional (we're talking like 3 times over the course of my pregnancy) sip (not gulp) of a drink, but I just don't think it's worth it to drink regularly - even though I know people who do/have (including my SIL!)

Thank you and you too!! I personally was shocked when my doctor said I could carry on with my tea intake (I'd only just started with him a month before and we went over all the details on my health, etc). I've cut way back. I'm consistently under the "safe" amount. I drink decaf coffee (which I know has some coffee), and one cup (normal size - not pint sized - which is the size of my favourite mug!!) of tea with my DH on the weekends.

With my son, I had the occasional (we're talking like 3 times over the course of my pregnancy) sip (not gulp) of a drink, but I just don't think it's worth it to drink regularly - even though I know people who do/have (including my SIL!)

You are right on the number of glasses - I meant to type units, not glasses (I learned this from when I was breastfeeding):

"There are one and a half units of alcohol in a small glass (125ml) of ordinary strength wine (12% alcohol by volume)" http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Alcohol-and-Sensible-Drinking.htm - so there are 6 small glasses in a bottle of wine - but each small glass = 1.5 units.

Also found here: www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/0606Alcohol.pdf

You are right on the number of glasses - I meant to type units, not glasses (I learned this from when I was breastfeeding):

"There are one and a half units of alcohol in a small glass (125ml) of ordinary strength wine (12% alcohol by volume)" http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Alcohol-and-Sensible-Drinking.htm - so there are 6 small glasses in a bottle of wine - but each small glass = 1.5 units.

Here's something to consider: Are you breastfeeding? If you're in it for the long haul with this baby all the way up to weaning from nursing, then comitting to no wine for the next what?-year and a half-is what you are signing up for. Not to say that you can't enjoy regular glasses of wine taking into consideration your nursing schedule. I am a HUGE wine fan, I am looking forward to a nice bottle of red wine once the baby is born. Personally, I am doing better physcially and emotionally with complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. It's just not worth the guilt I would carry about obsessing over a half a glass of wine. I'd rather just commit to not a drop and not have to worry. There's a reason the doctors say no amount of drinking is known to be safe during pregnancy. If a little could be harmful, why risk it? It's just for a few months anyway. Drink it up afterward! Enjoy the way your body feels being completely sober in your life during this time...But if you do indulge, don't beat yourself up over it.

Here's something to consider: Are you breastfeeding? If you're in it for the long haul with this baby all the way up to weaning from nursing, then comitting to no wine for the next what?-year and a half-is what you are signing up for. Not to say that you can't enjoy regular glasses of wine taking into consideration your nursing schedule. I am a HUGE wine fan, I am looking forward to a nice bottle of red wine once the baby is born. Personally, I am doing better physcially and emotionally with complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. It's just not worth the guilt I would carry about obsessing over a half a glass of wine. I'd rather just commit to not a drop and not have to worry. There's a reason the doctors say no amount of drinking is known to be safe during pregnancy. If a little could be harmful, why risk it? It's just for a few months anyway. Drink it up afterward! Enjoy the way your body feels being completely sober in your life during this time...But if you do indulge, don't beat yourself up over it.

with my first pregnancy towards the end, my doctor told me to have a small glass of red wine right before bed to help me relax and get some sleep... but this early, I don't know if I would go with more than 2 in a week and make sure they are small glasses...and not 2 days in a row... of course the best person to ask is your doctor.

Hope you enjoy your vacation!

with my first pregnancy towards the end, my doctor told me to have a small glass of red wine right before bed to help me relax and get some sleep... but this early, I don't know if I would go with more than 2 in a week and make sure they are small glasses...and not 2 days in a row... of course the best person to ask is your doctor.

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